Friday, August 30, 2013

Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes with Cookies and Cream Frosting for Back to School

It is that time of the year when kids go back to school in US. It is that time of the year you realize your kid is getting older, taking another milestone in their life. It is that time of the year when we know summer is almost over and Fall is upon us. It is that time of the year when my lil monkey goes to kindergarten. It is that time of the year when every Mother whose kids start school wonders - Where did all those five years go ?

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Monday, June 24, 2013

Custard with Apple and Nuts

I am feeling rather rusted as I try to get back to this space writing about recipes I believe in, and sharing my stories both inside, and outside the kitchen. Isn’t it always comfortable to start off a conversation with stories about weather? Then again this summer being so beastly, not just because of mercury rising, but with the wild fires rampant in Colorado, I am not so sure weather is a fun way to start talking. Coloradans are keeping our fingers and toes crossed wishing not just for rain but a down pour. You must all have heard about floods in India and Calgary, Canada, don’t you think weather is getting most unpredictable? I think so. Before moving on to chirpier topics, here is hoping you and yours are well and enjoying this summer.

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We kick started summer with a few hikes both in Front Range and Rocky mountains. It is always a few degrees cooler in the mountains. Added to it the fragrance of the woods is so refreshing I like to just be out and about soaking in the atmosphere come summer. I am glad that my kids enjoy nature as much and are never bored in the outdoors like their parents.

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Talking about kids my lil guy is not so little anymore, and he will be going to kindergarten this academic year. Time sure flies! Even as he gets older he does not cease to amuse or entertain with his quirks. Recently I overheard this conversation he had with his sister.

Chechi: What do you want to become when you get older?
Lil M(Without missing a beat replies): A garbage truck driver
Chechi (Aghast) : Why ?
Lil M(with a twinkle in his eyes): Then I can pick ALL the junk from all the people and BRING THEM HOME.

The rest of the family laughed out in unison and he looked at us quizzically as if we are the ones out of our mind. Knowing my son's keen interest in collecting junk, I wasn't surprised at his answer. But the animation with which he replies face all lit up, excited, and in the moment is so precious. Hm.. my son dreams of becoming rich collecting junk, Oh Boy! I might have an entrepreneur on my hands.

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My husband and I both being scientifically inclined I wonder where he might have got that genes from. I am optimistic, maybe I have a midget of entrepreneur in me and that is where he gets it from. I will be sure of my selling skills if you are convinced to give this recipe a whirl.

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Now, in all honesty what I have to share today is not exactly a recipe. It's just an idea for a quick dessert for summer. A friend of mine introduced it to me back in the days while I was in Hyderabad. It was a regular dessert in my household until some time back when blogging happened and more serious desserts took over. Even then it is so easy and fulfilling to put together this easy dessert it has found it’s way back into my heart and I hope it will into yours as well.

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Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 5-6 min
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

Custard powder- 2 to 3 Tbsp
Milk- ~2 cup
Sugar- to taste
Slivered almonds- 2 Tbsp
Blanched almonds- a few
Apple, cut into bite sized pieces- ~ 1/2 cup

Method:

1.Cook the custard according to instructions on the packet. Don't let it go too thick. Add sugar,mix and let cool.
2.Grate the blanched whole almonds, keep aside.
3.When custard is cool, add the grated almonds and mix.
4.Throw in the slivered almonds and apple pieces.
4.Chill in the refrigerator and serve.

Notes:

1.I use Bird's custard powder, but you could use any brand preferably vanilla flavored one for this recipe.
2.The consistency of custard s totally up to you.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Swedish Heirloom Cookies

"We've begun to raise daughters more like sons... but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters" -Gloria Steinem

Somebody posted this quote on New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof’s facebook wall on International Women's day. Reading the quote made me seriously think about how I am raising my kids. I kept thinking it is so true how we tell our girls that they don’t have to be pushed aside in sports or study and how they are equally equipped like their male counterparts to take on challenges. However, when it comes to my son I wondered if I am making sure that I talk to him about being polite and gentle, and being more thoughtful about how he behaves in public like I educate my girl.

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Coffee Coffee Cake With Espresso Glaze


How is the new year treating you all ? Hope all is well with everyone.

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